A safe and healthy environment to live in is what we mostly want from our homes, and in our attempts to achieve this, we often use many chemical products to try and eliminate germs and bacteria. However, in doing so we are often unwittingly releasing noxious elements into the air, and when used frequently or in high dosages, this can be detrimental to our health. Children are especially at risk of harm from such chemicals as their vital organs are not yet developed, and they have not built up the resistance to eliminate toxins from their developing bodies. This is a minor risk when they’re exposed infrequently to chemical cleaning products but over a longer period and exposure, this can have very serious effects on their health.
If you use chemical cleaning agents within your home, there are a few things that you should be aware of:
- Read the label thoroughly:
It isn’t always required for manufacturers to disclose every ingredient of their cleaning product, but there are some key words to look out for, such as ‘Danger’ and ‘poison’. This means that should the product be ingested – even in a tiny quantity – it can have lethal consequences. The word ‘warning’ should also be heeded, but those products with the word ‘caution’ on their label, mean that they still have the potential to cause harm but to a much lesser degree.
Products with labels containing the words: ‘corrosive’, ‘severely irritating’, ‘strong sensitizer’, ‘highly flammable or highly combustible should be avoided for use within your home.
- Carefully check the ingredients list:
Read through the ingredients list and keep an eye out for words such as:
Phthalates
These are often found in household products that are designed to smell pleasant, such
as air fresheners or soaps and are hormone disruptors.
Perchloroethylene
Found most commonly in dry cleaning solutions or upholstery cleaners, this is a neuro toxin.
2 Butoxyethanol
This is an ingredient of many multipurpose cleaning products that makes them smell more fragrant, and while it doesn’t have to be listed on labelling, it can cause health issues, such as sore throats or even pulmonary oedema.
Ammonia
Ammonia has always had links to chronic bronchitis and asthma, yet it is found in many cleaning products, glass cleaner and polishing agents to name but a few.
Triclosan
This potential carcinogen is found in dishwashing detergents, hand soaps and toothpaste, and is an antibacterial foaming agent. It is also suspected of being a hormone disruptor.
Chlorine
This commonly used product is well known for causing damage to skin and eyes if you come into direct contact with it, and it can irritate the lungs, too. It’s found in products used for removing mildew and cleaning toilet bowls, and is even present in our tap water, and may be a thyroid disruptor.
Sodium Hydroxide
This is an ingredient not to be messed with; it can be extremely corrosive and cause severe burns if it gets onto your skin and can also cause a long lasting sore throat if inhaled. It’s mainly found in oven cleaners and drain un-blockers.
Wherever possible, try to use natural cleaning products that pose no threat to your health, or
the health of those who share your home, such as vinegar, lemons and baking soda. You will
often find that these are just as effective as harsh chemicals on grime and grease in your
home, and you may even find that you already have them in your store cupboard at home.